The Friends of Chichester Harbour have provided a mobile pump out facility to Emsworth Yacht Harbour for use by berth-holders and visitors alike.
This is the second pump-out unit provided to Chichester Harbour by the Friends of Chichester Harbour, the first being on the Itchenor Pontoon. This unit at Emsworth Yacht Harbour is mobile, allowing marina staff to wheel it to individual boats, pump out their holding tanks and then empty safely into the appropriate drains. This prevents the need for any boats to discharge their holding tanks direct into the marina or harbour.
Presenting the unit to Emsworth Yacht Harbour, Heather Baker, the chairman of Friends of Chichester Harbour, said: “The Friends are delighted to be able to put a second unit into Chichester Harbour. Pollution of Chichester Harbour waters remains a growing problem and this is a fantastic way for boat owners to reduce pollution for the benefit of all harbour users and wildlife generally.”
Alison Wakelin, MD of Emsworth Yacht Harbour, said: “We are delighted to have this facility available to our berth-holders and visitors. It represents one further step as we strive to continually improve the services and facilities we offer to our customers.”
Chichester Harbour is of national and international importance for landscape and nature conservation and is a special place for wildlife. Straddling the boundary between Hampshire and West Sussex, Chichester Harbour Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty was designated in 1964. Picturesque creek-side villages encircle the shoreline. It is one of England’s most beautiful and cherished landscapes with valuable wildlife habitats and iconic archaeological and historical sites. It is quite rightly regarded as a treasured national resource. The saltmarsh and mudflats are a haven for around 55,000 birds who reside in or visit the harbour throughout the year. These include large flocks of Brent Geese, Dunlin and Little Egrets. A colony of seals regularly use the harbour.
The Friends of Chichester Harbour is a registered charity which exists to preserve and improve the unique beauty of Chichester Harbour. They support the work of Chichester Harbour Conservancy and other local bodies by providing funding for projects such as work with local schools, footpath maintenance, habitat improvement, tree planting, and academic research. Membership includes receipt of regular newsletters and updates on all the important issues affecting the harbour. Every pound donated goes towards caring for this special area not only for today but for future generations.
If you would like to join the Friends of Chichester Harbour and contribute to the work being done to preserve and enhance our wonderful harbour, please visit: www.friendsch.org.
